Aeroscale Wasted Watts Tracker Shows You Where Your Power Is Disappearing

French startup Aeroscale has launched the Wasted Watts Tracker on Kickstarter, a novel device designed to quantify the power losses experienced during cycling in real time. Unlike traditional bike computers that measure total power output, this system breaks down where watts are being wasted—whether through aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, or drivetrain inefficiencies. The aim is to provide riders with immediate feedback on how much of their effort is actually translating into forward motion, offering a more nuanced understanding of performance on the road. The system operates through two bike-mounted modules paired with a smartphone app and a high-precision GPS RTK correction service. A rear module uses advanced energy conservation calculations combined with precise wheel speed and altitude data, while a front Pitot tube measures airspeed to account for wind conditions. This combination allows the device to isolate the rider’s and equipment’s impact on power loss from environmental factors such as wind, delivering what Aeroscale terms “Normalized Wasted Watts” with an accuracy margin claimed to be under one watt. The use of RTK GPS technology is particularly notable, providing centimetre-level altitude accuracy to reduce data noise that typically hampers outdoor aerodynamic testing. A key selling point of the Wasted Watts Tracker is its user-friendly setup, which avoids the complex calibration steps common in aero testing tools. Aeroscale promotes a “Plug & Ride” experience, eliminating the need for manual inputs like rider weight or rolling resistance values, which can deter repeated use. This simplicity is crucial for encouraging riders to integrate the system into regular training and experimentation, enabling them to test variables such as riding position, wheelsets, tyre pressure, helmet choice, and even drivetrain condition in real time rather than relying on post-ride data analysis. Priced at $1,899 on Kickstarter, with a projected retail price of $2,499, the Tracker targets serious cyclists and professionals rather than casual riders. While the cost is significant, Aeroscale positions it as a more accessible alternative to traditional wind tunnel testing, which can run into thousands of pounds when factoring in session fees, coaching, and travel expenses. Early backers also receive lifetime access to the GPS RTK correction feed, which will otherwise be available via a monthly subscription, underscoring the importance of this service in delivering the device’s promised precision. The introduction of the Wasted Watts Tracker could represent a step change in how cyclists approach aerodynamic optimisation and equipment testing. By offering immediate, actionable insights into power losses under real-world conditions, the system has the potential to help riders refine their technique and gear choices more effectively. If Aeroscale’s accuracy claims hold true, this technology might bridge the gap between costly lab-based testing and everyday training, making aerodynamic gains more attainable for a broader range of cyclists.